Released 20 years ago
Free
OSI · 2006
67 min · 17 tracks · progressive metal
A tapestry of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that merges progressive rock with atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Free — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of liberation and introspection, combining haunting vocals with layered instrumentation that illustrates OSI's unique sound.
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All Gone Now — This track stands out for its emotional depth and dynamic shifts, effectively capturing a sense of loss while showcasing the band's musical versatility.
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Bigger Wave — With its driving rhythm and complex structures, this song epitomizes the band's progressive metal roots while exploring broader thematic elements of change and transformation.
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Set It on Fire — This track features compelling lyrical imagery and a powerful chorus, highlighting OSI's ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics with engaging melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and strong production but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast with heavier sections, creating dynamic shifts in mood.
- The use of layered guitar harmonies and synthesizers throughout the record adds depth to the sound, especially in 'Set It on Fire' and 'Communicant'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies for attentive listeners
- rhythmic complexity with rewarding depth
- atmospheric soundscapes for reflective moments
- dynamic shifts that encourage exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- want quick, immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Free is OSI's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed second album, This Last Omen. At this stage, the band solidified their identity within the progressive metal scene, showcasing maturation in songwriting and production techniques after their debut album.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dream Theater· Porcupine Tree· Fates Warning
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sure You Will 3:46
- 2 Free 3:22
- 3 Go 4:16
- 4 All Gone Now 5:15
- 5 Home Was Good 5:03
- 6 Bigger Wave 4:32
- 7 Kicking 3:53
- 8 Better 4:06
- 9 Simple Life 4:00
- 10 Once 6:38
- 11 Our Town 3:23
- 12 OSIdea 9 3:33
- 13 Set It on Fire 3:42
- 14 Communicant 3:48
- 15 When You’re Ready (demo) 3:10
- 16 Remain Calm 4:08
- 17 Old War 1:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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